Secrecy News

Deterring Leaks Through Polygraph Testing

Share this:

Last summer, Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper directed agencies that perform polygraph tests to include a “pre-test dialogue” about the need to prevent leaks of classified information as part of the polygraph interview process.

In a July 2012 memorandum to agencies, he said that the CIA’s polygraph program exemplified what he had in mind.

“During the pre-test discussion, CIA specifically asks whether an individual has provided classified information or facilitated access to classified information to any unauthorized persons, to include the media, unauthorized U.S. persons, or foreign nationals. The polygraph process is also used to identify deliberate disclosures,” DNI Clapper wrote. Other agencies that perform polygraph testing should follow procedures similar to CIA’s, he said.

“Aggressive action is required to better equip United States Government elements to prevent unauthorized disclosures,” DNI Clapper wrote.

3 thoughts on “Deterring Leaks Through Polygraph Testing”

The polygraph can only deter leaks of classified information to the extent that a potential leaker erroneously believes in this electronic bogey-man. Similarly, the only leakers who are liable to be “caught” by the polygraph will be those who choose to confess.

Anything that the Antipolygraph.org mouth piece says is questionable. We forced a move to Iceland didn’t we Mr Maschke. And it won’t be long until we have the Iceland servers under our thumb. As far as the polygraph is concerned, we can and have members who beat it and will continue to beat it. Clapper can direct all he wants, but sham technology is easily beaten. We have our own methods and training. We will see the destruction of the polygraph in all its forms. –?–